Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Sellars.
Hi Kristen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always knew that I wanted to go into healthcare. When I was a senior in high school, I did a program that allowed me to shadow different healthcare professions. At that time, my grandpa was in the hospital. I was able to shadow the Occupational therapist (OT) who worked with him and helped assist him get out of bed and be less fearful to do his daily tasks. Unfortunately, my grandpa passed the following week, but that OT rotation allowed me extra time with him, and solidified that I wanted to go into a role that allowed me to help individuals do what is important to them.
I have always loved to write and tampered with the idea of creating a blog, instead I decided to make an Instagram page while I was in grad school. My fiance helped me come up with the name “@ot.insider.” I use my platform as a way to advocate and educate others on the OT profession since most people don’t know what we do, or how we may vary from Physical Therapy. I choose to be honest and share my story with the hopes of helping other individuals in the profession or considering going into the profession. I have had my fair share of obstacles while in this profession and want to help others and teach them that they are not alone. I now have 18k followers on my Instagram page and have also created a podcast with my friend Kiana who is a Physical Therapist, we share our work and life experiences. I am very grateful for the platform that I have built and am so thankful for the OT community online. I have made so many friends and have been granted so many opportunities within my short time in the field (2 years). I currently work in a Skilled Nursing Facility that has a short term rehab and long term care nursing home, as well as experience with outpatient and home health services. I just recently started a sensory play based class for pediatrics at the gym that I go to. My goal is to emphasize the heart and soul of Occupational therapy which is to help individuals do the things they need and want to do, whether that is an individual learning to brush their teeth after a stroke, a child developing through play, and so much more. I am very passionate about what I do and hope to continue helping others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road! I struggled with having to retake my boards exam. What was supposed to be a 3 month long process extended into a 10 month process. I now choose to believe that I dealt with this struggle because I am helping other individuals who are going through a similar experience. I have so many individuals dealing with similar situations who message me on my page stating they feel alone. Having gone through it personally, I understand and can empathize with them and help them through it.
My first job out of school was in a Skilled Nursing Facility and Nursing home. I absolutely loved it! After being there for 1.5 years, we were told that the facility was closing, resulting in everyone in the building receiving termination letters. As a still new grad, it was very difficult for me emotionally (and financially) to lose my job right before the holidays.
I truly believe that these hardships have helped mold me into the clinician that I am today, and I am able to assist others with their struggles throughout this journey. I also feel that I do not take what I do for granted because I have had a tough journey to get where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist (OTR/L). Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps people participate in the everyday activities that are important to them. Despite the name, occupational therapy is not just about helping people find jobs. The word “occupation” refers to all the activities that fill a person’s day and give their life meaning. These activities can include getting dressed, brushing teeth, cooking meals, going to school, working, playing, driving, taking care of children, exercising, or enjoying hobbies.
An occupational therapist works with people of all ages, from babies to older adults, who have physical, mental, developmental, or cognitive challenges that make daily activities difficult. The goal is to help each person become as independent, safe, and successful as possible in the activities that matter most to them.
Occupational therapists first get to know the person by learning about their strengths, challenges, goals, routines, and environment. They then create a personalized treatment plan that may include practicing skills, strengthening muscles, improving coordination, teaching new ways to complete tasks, recommending adaptive equipment, or modifying the person’s home, school, or workplace.
I personally work in a Skilled Nursing facility which is a facility that has short term rehab units where people go to get stronger and more independent following an injury or illness in the hospital. It also has long term care or nursing home units, I work with both short and long term care residents. I also have experience with outpatient and home health services and recently started a sensory, play based pediatric class at the gym that I go to.
My Instagram page and podcast has also become a job! I help promote, advocate for, and educate about the OT profession and what we do. I have started working with brands and making some great connections through my page.
I think what sets me apart is how passionate I am. Despite the struggles I have gone through and the challenges of the healthcare system, I truly love my job and what OT stands for. I am proud of myself for creating a page from 0 to 18k followers and creating a platform and community for myself while also managing the relationships and life outside of work.
What were you like growing up?
I had a wonderful childhood growing up and am blessed with a wonderful family. I grew up with many family members in the healthcare profession so that helped set me on this path. I was always very athletic and loved to play on team sports, complete crafts and was very artistic. I played basketball and lacrosse, loved and still love to read, spend time with my cats, family and friends. I have always been a huge Harry Potter fan and still am to this day, I will never outgrow this as it is a great source of comfort for me! I had my fair share of anxiety growing up and always had to and still have to navigate that.
Contact Info:
- Website: otinsiderk@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ot.insider
- Other: OT Insider Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
